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Govt. seeks FAO and WFP assistance to overcome possible food shortage
Sri Lanka, facing the threat of food shortages due to the rapidly deteriorating economic situation, has sought urgent assistance from the UN Food and Agriculture Organization (FAO) and the World Food Programme (WFP).
Prime Minister Ranil Wickremesinghe and Speaker Mahinda Yapa Abeywardena have warned of a food shortage in the near future.
Minister of Foreign Affairs Prof. G.L. Peiris met Vimlendra Sharan, the UN Food and Agriculture Organization (FAO) Representative and Abdur Rahim Siddiqui, the Country Director of the World Food Programme (WFP) to Sri Lanka on 25 May 2022, at the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, to discuss further collaboration between the FAO, WFP and Sri Lanka to address the current challenges faced by the country in relation to food security.
Minister Peiris conveyed the sincere appreciation of the government of Sri Lanka for the valuable support of the FAO and the WFP, in particular the Country Office in Sri Lanka for the assistance provided towards the development of agriculture, fisheries and livestock, in the country. While outlining the multiple challenges currently faced by the country, the Foreign Minister thanked the FAO and WFP Representatives for the crucial role played by them in providing guidance and support to the government at this difficult juncture.
Both Representatives assured the Minister that the FAO and the WFP would extend full support for Sri Lanka to overcome the current challenges related to food security and briefed the Minister on their current activities to mitigate any potential food security challenges.
Minister Peiris said Sri Lanka and the United Nations enjoyed close, longstanding and cordial relations with the UN and that the UN had supported Sri Lanka in times of difficulty. In this context, the Minister referred to the request made by the Prime Minister to the UN Secretary-General and the Director General of FAO for technical support and assistance to augment food production in the country, enabling Sri Lanka to tide over this critical situation.
The Indian Naval Ship (INS) Sahyadri which arrived at the Port of Colombo on a formal visit on 04 Apr 25, departed the island today (07 Apr). The Sri Lanka Navy bade customary farewell to the departing ship at the Port of Colombo, following naval traditions.
During the ship’s stay in Colombo, crew members of INS Sahyadri took part in several programmes organized by the Sri Lanka Navy, aimed at enhancing mutual cooperation. In addition, they also explored some tourist attractions in the country. Further, personnel of Sri Lanka Navy had the opportunity to visit INS Sahyadri, gaining insights into her operational capabilities.
Latest News
Advisory for severe lightning issued for Sabaragamuwa, Central and Uva provinces and in Hambanthota district
The Natural Hazards Early Warning Centre has issued an Advisory for Severe Lightning for the Sabaragamuwa, Central and Uva provinces and in Hambanthota district.
The advisory issued at 02.00 p.m. today [07 April 2025] is valid for the period until 11.00 p.m. 07 April 2025
The public are warned that thundershowers accompanied by severe lightning are likely to occur at several places in for Sabaragamuwa, Central and Uva provinces and in Hambantota district. There may be temporary localized strong winds during thundershowers. General public is kindly requested to take adequate precautions to minimize damages caused by lightning activity.
ACTION REQUIRED:
The Department of Meteorology advises that people should:
Seek shelter, preferably indoors and never under trees.
• Avoid open areas such as paddy fields, tea plantations and open water bodies during thunderstorms.
• Avoid using wired telephones and connected electric appliances during thunderstorms.
• Avoid using open vehicles, such as bicycles, tractors and boats etc.
• Beware of fallen trees and power lines.
• For emergency assistance contact the local disaster management authorities.
The report of the “Census of Population and Housing 2024,” conducted by the Department of Census and Statistics, was officially handed over to President Anura Kumara Disanayake this morning (07) at the Presidential Secretariat.
This preliminary report has been prepared based on island wide data collected between October and December 2024.
The report provides details on Sri Lanka’s population, its growth and the distribution of the population across districts.
The information gathered through the census is vital not only for the government but also for other institutions in formulating policies and development plans essential for the country’s progress. Significantly, for the first time in the history of census-collecting in Sri Lanka, data collection was carried out using tablet computers and user-friendly mobile devices.
The event was attended by Deputy Minister of Finance & Planning, Harshana Suriyapperuma, Secretary to the President Dr. Nandika Sanath Kumanayake, Secretary to the Ministry of Finance Mahinda Siriwardana, Director General of the Department of Census and Statistics D.D.G.A. Senevirathne and several other officials.
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